Golf Tip: Develop Consistency with the 30 to 50 yard Wedge Shot

Brad Hauer
July 10, 2013

Having the ability to hit more consistent short wedge shots will lower your score significantly. The 30 to 50 yard wedge shot falls right into our scoring zone area and is crucial to execute for scoring well. This shot is typically challenging for the mid to high handicappers because the swing required is 1/2 to 3/4 of our regular swing, which becomes difficult to gauge.

So, if you find yourself hitting this shot too far, fat, short or if you feel like you’re totaling guessing as to the distance of this shot try the tip below the next time you’re practicing.

Simply feel your left elbow stay closer to your belly button to complete your backswing. Typically, people who lose feel and control in this shot have their left arm out of position. Their left arm will break down and tend to go too far back in the swing when completing the backswing. When this occurs, the club is swung too much with the arms and not enough with the body, which makes the swing disconnected. By feeling the left elbow stay on the mid-section of the body at the top of the backswing, you will feel more connected and your arms and body will work in sync with each other.

So remember, to hit more consistent short wedge shots, keep that left elbow close to your belly button at the completion of your backswing.

Having the ability to hit it closer on this shot will greatly enhance your ability to score well. Good luck and play well.

Brad is currently the Director of Golf at Hammock Beach Resort, home of the Ocean Course and the Conservatory Golf Course. The Ocean Course boasts more holes on the ocean than any other golf course in Florida and the Conservatory is currently ranked as the longest and hardest course in Florida. Brad's golf lesson articles can also be found at bradhauergolf.com.